You could do a higher national diploma or degree in illustration or a related subject like fine art or graphic design.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

You could do a course in art and design to help you become an illustrator.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could take an apprenticeship to learn some of the skills you need to get started as an illustrator, like:

• Junior VFX Artist or Assistant Technical Director Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Junior Animator Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

If you do not have art or design qualifications, you can contact companies directly to share examples of your work.

You can find information on the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook on how to:

• get started as a freelance illustrator
• prepare a portfolio
• find a publisher

You'll need:

• knowledge of the fine arts
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be flexible and open to change
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Your day-to-day tasks might depend on the field of illustration you work in.

As an illustrator you could:

• discuss requirements, or a brief, with authors, editors or designers
• negotiate prices and timescales
• research your creative ideas
• create final illustrations using hand drawing, painting or computer design packages
• promote your business and manage your finances if you're self-employed

You could work in a creative studio, from home or at a client's business.